Oct. 18, 2011

By Randy McVay for UTAMavs.com

ARLINGTON, Tex. - Every team has players that will always be remembered. Record breaking performances, outstanding careers and crunch time heroics separate the greats from everybody else.

Amanda Aguilera made her mark on UT Arlington history by totaling 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs during a career. She reached the milestone Oct. 13 against Sam Houston State, and is now the 12th player in UT Arlington to join the club.

While it's a huge accomplishment, Aguilera's competitive spirit didn't allow the feat to set in right away.

"I didn't even realize I got it, to be honest. I was too bummed out about the loss so I didn't really celebrate." Aguilera said. "It feels good though, it feels like I got the job done when I was here."

Aguilera is a four-year starter for the Mavericks and has received first-team All Southland Conference accolades twice as an outside hitter. She is second place on the team with 3.12 kills and 2.71 digs per set.

"She's an overall well-rounded volleyball player. It's her best attribute," Seymour said. "We can call upon her to be aggressive at the service line, come up with big kills for us, to pass and dig a lot of balls. She's even exceeded our expectations in the blocking department. Overall she's a great player."

Aguilera, a communication/business management major, also gets it done in the classroom. She has received numerous Academic Honor Roll awards, and she said college life has helped her focus on priorities.

"School taught me a lot of time management since we're always doing everything at the same time," Aguilera said. "Playing volleyball and balancing school and everything else has been tough, but I've benefited from it."

After graduation, Aguilera plans to work for a non-profit business. She wants to help organize and set up events for companies, and possibly do some public relations work as well.

While most players have role models and inspirations that shape them as a player, Aguilera takes a different approach.

Aguilera plays again Wednesday, Oct. 19 when the Mavericks play Texas State in San Marcos. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m.